LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 1, 2004


AREA ECONOMIC LEADERS TO EXAMINE
"HEALTH OF LEE COUNTY" ON DEC. 7

SANFORD -- After making an initial assessment last year, two economic 
developers will take another hard look at the local business climate when the 
second annual "Health of Lee County" luncheon is held Dec. 7.

Sponsored by the Lee County Committee of 100, "Health of Lee County: Take 
Two," is scheduled for noon at Chef Paul's Cafˇ and Catering in Sanford. The 
luncheon is open to the public.

Charles Hayes, president and chief executive officer of the Research Triangle 
Regional Partnership, will present data on the region, which includes Lee and 
a dozen other counties in central North Carolina.

Based at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, the partnership is a 
cooperative group of economic development agencies working to attract business 
and investment to benefit communities throughout the region.

Hayes will be joined by Bob Heuts, director of the Lee County Economic 
Development Corp., who will present the local data and projections. Together, 
the two will consider how the county fares on several critical factors.

The growing crime rate and reliance on manufacturing were two top concerns 
emerging last year, when the program focused on four broad topics: labor, 
infrastructure, finance and the quality of life.

While this year's program is still being developed, Heuts said he expects to 
give an update on those two challenges and maybe provide a look at new issues 
affecting the future of Lee County.

"There are so many statistics we can present that it's hard to decide which 
ones to include," said Heuts. "But we definitely want to keep an eye on the 
major challenges we discussed before, to gauge how the community is 
progressing.

"Factors like the labor force and quality of life are important issues for 
everyone. Not only for companies looking for a place to do business, but all 
of the outstanding businesses already here."

The "Health of Lee County" series was based on what some larger counties have 
done over the years. But Heuts said the focus for the local event is to 
assemble and discuss important information that will help leaders throughout 
the community make good decisions about the future.

All Committee of 100 meetings are open to the public; the cost, including 
lunch, is $10 per person for members, $15 per person for guests. For 
reservations or information, contact Jane Haber at the Lee County Economic 
Development Corp., 919-774-8439 or info@lcedc.com.

The Committee of 100 is an organization of business leaders committing time, 
energy and resources to enhance the economic well-being of Lee County and its 
citizens. Corporate and individual members assist the Lee County Economic 
Development Corp. by establishing venture capital projects to expand local 
industry, helping to promote economic growth and enhancing working 
relationships among government, business and the community.

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Media Contacts:
Bob Heuts, Director
Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
919-774-8439 (phone)
919-775-5410 (fax)
info@lcedc.com (e-mail)

LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr120104.txt